Hantsmoths

In Hampshire last recorded near Martyr Worthy in 1960, the last British record, and was regularly reported up to 1946 at Farley Mount. Considered to be extinct from that point in the UK, until August 2019, when Laurie Evans took one at light in Wiltshire, and then again in 2020 and 2021 (illustrated here), suggesting that the species may still be resident on downland at low density in our neighbouring county; intensive checking of the foodplant, scabious sp., no larval signs have been found to date.

Wingspan 19-22 mm. Although this species resembles no other phycitid, it could perhaps be overlooked among downland crambids; its behaviour, however, is quite different, flying off with a characteristic buzzing flight when disturbed during the day [Goater]. Larva feeds on flowers of Field Scabious and Small Scabious.

VC11 South Hampshire

VC12 North Hampshire